Grass-roots volunteer to lead O.C. Democrats

Jan. 14, 2013

Updated Aug. 21, 2013 1:17 p.m.

1 of 7

Longtime Democratic party volunteer Henry Vandermeir gives a speech Monday night in Orange. He and Jeff LeTourneau were candidates to become the Democratic Party of Orange County's first new chairman in 12 years. Vandermeir won the vote. CHRISTINE COTTER, FOR THE REGISTER

1 of 7

Lori Vandermeir claps as her husband, Henry, is announced as the new chairman of the Democratic Party of Orange County on Monday night in Orange. CHRISTINE COTTER, FOR THE REGISTER

1 of 7

Longtime Democratic party volunteer Henry Vandermeir is congratulated after winning the vote to become the Democratic Party of Orange County's first new chairman in 12 years. CHRISTINE COTTER, FOR THE REGISTER

1 of 7

Longtime Democratic party volunteer Henry Vandermeir, second from right, watches as votes are counted. He defeated Jeff LeTourneau to become the Democratic Party of Orange County's first new chairman in 12 years. CHRISTINE COTTER, FOR THE REGISTER

1 of 7

Longtime Democratic party volunteer Henry Vandermeir, right, defeated gay activist Jeff LeTourneau, left, in a vote to become the Democratic Party of Orange County's new chairman Monday night in Orange. CHRISTINE COTTER, FOR THE REGISTER

1 of 7

Jeff LeTourneau gives a speech Monday night in Orange. He and Henry Vandermeir were candidates to become the Democratic Party of Orange County's first new chairman in 12 years. CHRISTINE COTTER, FOR THE REGISTER

1 of 7

Longtime Democratic party volunteer Henry Vandermeir gives a speech Monday night in Orange. He and Jeff LeTourneau were candidates to become the Democratic Party of Orange County's first new chairman in 12 years. Vandermeir won the vote. CHRISTINE COTTER, FOR THE REGISTER

Longtime Democratic party volunteer Henry Vandermeir gives a speech Monday night in Orange. He and Jeff LeTourneau were candidates to become the Democratic Party of Orange County's first new chairman in 12 years. Vandermeir won the vote. CHRISTINE COTTER, FOR THE REGISTER

Henry Vandermeir, who cashed in a successful career writing computer books so he could spend much of the past 15 years as a political activist, was elected chairman of the Democratic Party of Orange County on Monday night by the county party's governing Central Committee.

Vandermeir, who bested gay activist Jeff LeTourneau in a 36-21 vote, replaces Santa Ana attorney Frank Barbaro, who stepped down after leading the county party for the past 12 years.

At a time when the county GOP's dominance over Democrats is steadily shrinking, Vandermeir has vowed to up the ante. While Barbaro is well-liked in the party, his day job has limited his time working on party business.

"This is a big change for us," said Bill Honigman, a Central Committee member and state coordinator of the Progressive Democrats of America. "Now we have somebody with a clear idea of how to organize the party. We can move ahead as an activist organization. I appreciate what Frank did, but I appreciate that he stepped down for this."

Barbaro was given a lengthy standing ovation as he turned the podium over to Vandermeir, a 54-year-old Ladera Ranch resident.

In recent weeks, Vandermeir has pitched a two-year strategic plan to committee members and has demonstrated his fundraising abilities by rounding up $80,000 in pledges to the party.

Vandermeir serves as chairman of the California Democratic Council, which supports grass-roots Democratic clubs, and as part-time executive director of the Democratic Foundation of Orange County, a group of about 80 of the county's most generous Democratic donors. He plans to continue in the latter post.

LeTourneau's strengths came from a decade of union experience and 15 years leading the Elections Committee of the County of Orange, which raised $2 million for backing gay-friendly candidates throughout the state.

After the results were announced, LeTourneau and Vandermeir vowed to maintain a positive working relationship. And Vandermeir was clearly eager to dive in, telling the Central Committee that preparations for the 2014 elections will begin at the committee's meeting in two weeks.

User Agreement

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial
slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about
tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to
allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to
republish your name and comment in additional Register publications
without any notification or payment.